The Police Service of Northern Ireland is supporting Safer Business Action Week, joining police forces and partner organisations across the UK to focus on tackling business and retail crime. The national initiative is coordinated by the National Business Crime Centre.

From Monday 9 November, the week of action brings police, businesses and communities together to help prevent crime, pursue offenders and improve safety for business owners, staff and customers. Safer Business Action Days will run throughout the week, with partners visiting local premises to gain a clearer picture of the day-to-day challenges traders face.

Superintendent Lisa Maslen of the National Business Crime Centre said: "Safer Business Action Week provides an important opportunity to highlight the challenges businesses face on a daily basis, while recognising the continued partnership work taking place across the country.

"The outcomes we have seen from these joint efforts demonstrate the positive impact of police, local authorities and the business community working together to reduce harm and make places safer for people to work and shop."

Across Northern Ireland, local policing teams will carry out business crime–focused activity, including high-visibility patrols, engagement with businesses, targeted operations against offenders and practical crime-prevention advice.

Superintendent Pete Cunningham, the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Business Crime Lead, said: "Businesses and retailers are central to communities in Northern Ireland. They provide vital services, create employment and help our towns and city centres thrive.

"Crime against businesses can have a significant impact, particularly on staff who may experience theft, antisocial behaviour, intimidation or abuse in the course of their work. Safer Business Action Week is an important opportunity to listen to businesses, strengthen our partnerships and take practical action to prevent crime, support victims and target those responsible.

"Our officers will be out engaging with businesses and communities throughout the week. We encourage business owners, employees and members of the public to speak to them, share concerns and make use of the crime prevention advice and reporting options available. "Safer Business Action Week demonstrates the value of police, businesses and partners working together. We recognise that business crime can be under-reported and would encourage everyone to report crimes or any suspicious activity, so we can build an accurate picture of the issues affecting our local areas. By sharing information, reporting incidents and taking sensible crime prevention measures, we can better understand local issues, prevent offending and pursue those who cause harm."

During the week, businesses and the public may notice additional police presence as officers speak with owners, managers and staff to understand local concerns, provide reassurance and share guidance on preventing and reporting crime.

Businesses can help protect staff, premises and stock by:

- reporting all crime and antisocial behaviour, to help police understand the scale and nature of local issues

- ensuring staff know what to do if an incident occurs and prioritising their safety

- keeping CCTV systems maintained and ensuring footage can be provided when requested

- recording relevant details after an incident, including descriptions, times, locations, vehicle registrations and any witnesses

- reviewing security arrangements, including lighting, access controls, stock displays and procedures for opening and closing premises; and

- engaging with local policing teams and business crime partnerships to share concerns and receive crime-prevention advice

If you suspect a crime or have information, please report it. In an emergency, call 999. For non-emergencies, report online at www.psni.police.uk/report or call 101.

Everyone is also encouraged to sign up to PSNI Connect, a free community engagement platform that enables residents, businesses and community groups to keep in touch with local police, raise concerns and receive feedback on how issues are being addressed. To sign up to your local PSNI Connect, visit www.psniconnect.co.uk

Further advice and information on Business Crime is available at: www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/advice-and-information/business-crime